Kenyan President William Ruto has taken drastic action in response to weeks of violent anti-government protests by dismissing almost his entire cabinet on Thursday, July 11, 2024. The protests, which began on June 18, were sparked by steep tax increases proposed in the Finance Bill 2024 and have resulted in at least 39 deaths.In his address to the nation, Ruto stated that he had ‘listened to what the Kenyan people had to say’ and after evaluating his cabinet’s performance, decided to dismiss all members of his government with immediate effect. Only Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and the Foreign Affairs Minister have retained their positions.The president has withdrawn the controversial tax increases and announced plans to form a ‘broad-based government’. Ruto pledged to engage in consultations with various stakeholders, including young protesters, to develop ‘radical programs’ addressing the country’s debt burden, job opportunities, and corruption.In addition to the cabinet reshuffle, Ruto announced austerity measures including the dissolution of 47 state corporations and the withdrawal of funding for the first lady’s office. He also described the protests as a threat to national security, vowing to treat any such threat as an ‘existential threat to our republic’.While activists have welcomed the decision, they are waiting to see who will be appointed to the new cabinet. Ruto faces pressure from lenders such as the International Monetary Fund to cut deficits, but has instead proposed spending cuts and additional borrowing to fill the budget hole caused by the tax rollback.This is not the first time Kenya has had a government of national unity. In 2005, President Mwai Kibaki reconstituted his cabinet after losing a referendum. As the situation develops, Kenyans and the international community will be closely watching Ruto’s next moves in forming his new government and addressing the country’s pressing issues.
Key points
- President William Ruto has dismissed most of his cabinet following weeks of violent protests against tax hikes.
- At least 39 people have died in the protests that began on June 18.
- Ruto plans to form a ‘broad-based government’ to address debt, job opportunities, and corruption.
- The president has withdrawn the controversial tax increases and announced austerity measures.
Contradictionsđź‘ľSome sources report 39 deaths, while others mention ‘at least 41’ or ‘over 30’.
This discrepancy might be due to different reporting times or sources.
